Hijrah to Saudi Arabia

Premium Residency (also known as the Saudi Green Card) is a special residency system that allows expatriates to live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without needing a local sponsor (Kafeel). It provides a path for skilled professionals, investors, and individuals with financial means to establish long-term residence in the Kingdom.

Unlike standard work visas tied to employers, Premium Residency offers greater independence and flexibility for expatriates who wish to contribute to the country's economic and social development while enjoying a lifestyle aligned with Islamic values.

Learn more about eligibility and benefits in our detailed Premium Residency guide.

Saudi Arabia offers multiple categories of Premium Residency, designed to attract professionals, investors, and individuals with unique qualifications. These include:

• Permanent Residency: A lifetime residency with a one-time fee, offering complete independence from sponsorship.
• Renewable Residency: An annually renewable option with lower upfront costs, providing similar benefits on a yearly basis.
• Investor Residency: For entrepreneurs and business owners establishing a company aligned with Vision 2030 sectors.
• Real Estate Ownership Residency: For individuals purchasing property in Saudi Arabia within approved zones.
• Special Talent Residency: Tailored for highly skilled professionals in fields like healthcare, technology, sports, culture, and academia.
• Gifted Residency: A special category for individuals who have been granted residency by Royal Decree or exceptional contribution.

Each residency type has distinct eligibility criteria and benefits. Visit our Premium Residency Types Guide for a detailed breakdown.

Premium Residency (Privileged Iqama) grants a wide range of benefits that offer flexibility, independence, and a lifestyle aligned with Islamic values:

• No Sponsorship (Kafeel) Required: Live and work in Saudi Arabia without a local sponsor.
• Own Property & Real Estate: Purchase residential, commercial, and industrial property in approved zones.
• Business Ownership: Full ownership rights in most sectors, with the ability to establish and manage businesses.
• Residency for Family: Bring spouse, children, and dependents without additional sponsorship requirements.
• Employment Mobility: Work opportunities across various sectors without being tied to one employer.
• Entry & Exit Freedom: Travel in and out of the Kingdom without needing exit/re-entry permits.
• Use of Airport VIP Lines: Benefit from exclusive immigration services for Premium Residents.

Premium Residency empowers Muslims to build a stable family life in a Shariah-compliant environment, while enjoying economic and lifestyle freedoms.

For a full list of benefits and privileges, visit our detailed Premium Residency Benefits Guide.

Yes, Premium Residency allows you to include immediate family members without requiring individual sponsorships. This makes it ideal for families seeking to settle in Saudi Arabia with stability and flexibility.

• Spouse: Your legally married spouse is eligible for residency under your PR status.
• Sons: Sons can be included as dependents up to the age of 25. After that, they need to apply for independent residency or other legal status.
• Daughters: Daughters can remain under your PR as long as they are unmarried, without an age limit.
• Parents: While not automatically included, you can apply for a separate dependent residency for your parents, subject to approval and additional documentation.

The Premium Residency is designed to provide families a seamless lifestyle—ensuring that your dependents can study, work (if eligible), and live in Saudi Arabia without the complexities of traditional sponsorship systems.

For detailed information on family benefits and inclusion, read our Premium Residency Benefits Guide.

Applying for Premium Residency (Privileged Iqama) involves several steps that ensure applicants meet Saudi Arabia’s eligibility criteria. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

1. Prepare Required Documents: Valid passport, financial statements, educational certificates, health check clearance, and a clean criminal record.
2. Choose Your Residency Type: Decide between Permanent Residency (one-time fee) or Renewable Annual Residency. Specialized talents and investors may qualify under dedicated tracks.
3. Apply via the Official Portal: Submit your application through the Premium Residency Portal (SAPRC).
4. Undergo Background & Security Checks: Authorities will conduct thorough verification of documents and background.
5. Pay Applicable Fees: Fees vary based on the residency type. Permanent Residency is a one-time payment, while renewable residencies are annual.
6. Receive Approval & Residency ID: If approved, you’ll be issued a Premium Residency ID, granting you full benefits without needing a sponsor.

The process can be straightforward, but professional guidance is highly recommended to ensure all documents and eligibility criteria are aligned.

For a detailed step-by-step guide with real application experiences, read our comprehensive article: How to Apply for Saudi Premium Residency - Complete Guide

Premium Residency offers significant advantages for Muslims planning Hijrah to Saudi Arabia, especially for those seeking independence from the traditional sponsorship (Kafeel) system.

Key benefits include:

• Live, work, and own property in Saudi Arabia without a sponsor
• Ability to bring your family (spouse, children, parents) under your residency
• Freedom to manage your own business ventures with 100% ownership in many sectors
• Regular access to Makkah and Madinah without visa hassles
• Simplified processes for family schooling, healthcare, and mobility

However, it requires a substantial financial investment. For families that intend to perform Hajj, Umrah frequently, and build long-term stability, Premium Residency can provide savings and flexibility that outweigh annual Hajj package costs.

We’ve broken down real-life scenarios, cost comparisons, and strategic benefits in our detailed blog: Is Premium Residency Worth It? (Comprehensive Cost & Benefits Analysis)

Yes, Saudi Arabia now allows 100% foreign ownership in many business sectors as part of its Vision 2030 economic reforms. This includes industries like technology, e-commerce, consulting, manufacturing, hospitality, and more.

The Ministry of Investment (MISA) facilitates business licenses for expats, eliminating the need for a local Saudi partner in eligible activities. However, some sectors (like retail or contracting) may still require specific partnership structures or conditions.

Key Points:

• Eligible to own 100% in many non-restricted sectors
• Application via Invest Saudi
• Capital requirements vary by business type (from $25,000 to $1M+ depending on activity)
• Additional licenses may be needed based on industry (e.g., tech, healthcare)

For a detailed guide on sectors, capital requirements, and step-by-step business setup process, read our comprehensive blog: Guide to 100% Business Ownership in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers diverse business opportunities for expats across sectors that align with Vision 2030 and where Islamic values can be upheld. Popular sectors for expats include:

• Technology & IT services (consulting, software development)
• E-commerce (including food delivery platforms)
• Education & Islamic learning centers
• Healthcare services (clinics, wellness centers)
• Real Estate investment and management
• Professional consulting (finance, marketing, business strategy)

Food-related businesses like restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets are possible but may involve specific conditions regarding capital investments, Saudization requirements, or partnership structures. However, operating food franchises, cloud kitchens, or e-commerce-based food ventures is fully open to expats.

For an in-depth breakdown of business types, ownership models, and investment strategies, read our blog: Best Business Opportunities for Expats in Saudi Arabia

The requirement for having a job offer depends on which visa pathway you pursue. Here's a simplified comparison:

Finding a job in Saudi Arabia requires a targeted approach, especially if you’re outside the country. Here are the key steps:

• Research sectors that align with your skills (e.g., healthcare, engineering, IT).
• Prepare a professional CV tailored for the Saudi job market.
• Use online job portals and recruitment agencies actively hiring expats.
• Network with professionals already working in Saudi Arabia.
• Attend virtual career fairs and company open days.

We will soon publish a step-by-step guide on “How to Secure a Job in Saudi Arabia as a Foreigner” — stay tuned to our Blog.

The Saudi job market is actively evolving under Vision 2030, creating diverse opportunities for skilled expats. While certain sectors are becoming more Saudized (prioritizing local hires), there are still strong demand areas where foreign professionals play a vital role.

Key Sectors Hiring Expats

• Healthcare & Medical (doctors, nurses, specialists)
• Engineering & Construction (mega projects, infrastructure)
• Information Technology & Digital Transformation
• Education (school teachers, university faculty, trainers)
• Finance, Accounting & Islamic Banking
• Hospitality & Tourism (especially in emerging regions like NEOM)

Job Market Trends

• Skilled expats with in-demand certifications still have strong employment prospects.
• Saudi companies prefer hiring expats who demonstrate commitment to long-term relocation.
• Speaking Arabic is beneficial but not mandatory for professional sectors.
• Remote work & hybrid models are slowly emerging in tech and consulting fields.

Salaries, benefits, and job security can vary depending on the sector, company size, and location (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam). It’s recommended to evaluate offers holistically, including housing, healthcare, and family-related allowances.

We’re preparing an in-depth blog analyzing sector-specific hiring trends and how to position yourself for Saudi job opportunities. You’ll find it soon in our Blog.

Living in the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah is a unique blessing. However, residency regulations are distinct compared to other cities in Saudi Arabia.

General Rule:

Only Muslims are allowed to reside in Makkah and Madinah. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering these sacred boundaries (Haram areas). For Muslims, residence is allowed provided legal residency (Iqama, Premium Residency, or family sponsorship) is in place.

Key Considerations

• Work Iqama holders may live in Makkah/Madinah if their employment is based in these cities.
• Family-sponsored residents can live if the primary sponsor (spouse/parent) resides in the city.
• Premium Residency holders enjoy flexibility to live in any city including Makkah and Madinah.

Living vs. Visiting

Important Note:

There is no official public guideline stating a specific number of days after which a visitor is considered a resident in Makkah/Madinah. However, visa overstays are strictly penalized, and long-term stays must align with legal residency requirements.

To explore personalized pathways for living in Makkah or Madinah, book a free consultation with us. We'll guide you through legitimate options based on your situation.